YumSugar

The Pros and Cons of Chewing Gum

Heather Dale — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:49:33 PDT

In addition to lip chap and my cell phone, gum rounds out my list of essential purse items. But when it comes to chewing gum in general, how much do we really know about these tasty, rubbery pieces we regularly munch on? Are there any benefits to chomping?

Health Benefits

Heartburn relief: In 2005, researchers found that the saliva stimulated by chewing seemed to neutralize the digestive stomach acid that had leaked into the esophagus. It also seemed to help force fluids back into the stomach and therefore provide heartburn relief. Chewing gum - sugarless, of course - for 30 minutes did the trick and can provide relief for up to three hours.
Kills bacteria and freshens breath: Chewing stimulates saliva production, and the more saliva you have in your mouth, the less bacteria you will have. Gum that is said to be sweetened with xylitol is said to increase salivation and prevent bacteria from replicating in the mouth. In terms of what flavor to go with, it's best to stick with cinnamon, as it can actually help to decrease bacteria in your mouth - sugar-free cinnamon, naturally.

Keep reading for more pros and find out if chewing gum poses any health risks!

5 Reasons You Need This Bubblegum Bobby Pin (Teeth Marks and All)

Jaime Richards — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:00:10 PDT

Who doesn't love a kitschy hair accessory every now and then? With this homemade bubblegum hair pin ($12), you definitely don't have to be a stick (heh) in the mud.

Are you digging this sweet treat as much as I am? Then, check out a few reasons why I think this hair accessory makes it into the must-have category. Not feeling it so much? Well, chew on what I have to say about it when you read more.

Sunday Funday Video: Tastes Like Puppies Smell?

Morgan Ashley Parker — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 06:00:20 PST

So. Many. Puppies. Seeing cute animals in a commercial definitely comes back to me when I'm faced with the product in a store. I'll be picking up a pack of Stride gum just to give kudos to the pups that posed in this hilarious video. See for yourself below!

Do You Chew Gum While Exercising?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:47:46 PDT

My running partner loves to chew gum when we exercise together. She always pops a piece in her mouth before we head out, and of course will offer me one too. So I got in the habit of chewing gum while running, even though it was drilled in my head in my youth that chewing gum and exercising can be dangerous. I have to say, there's something nice about having minty fresh breath while you're out for a jog. What about you?

Chew on Wrigley's Latest Gum Flavors

YumSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:50:13 PDT

It's next to impossible for me to wait in line at the supermarket and not pick up a pack of gum in some limited-edition novelty flavor. That's why I was beside myself when I received a shipment of what might have been a lifetime supply of Wrigley chewing gum in a slew of new flavors. A sore jaw and many packs later, I've discovered a new favorite flavor. Scope out the highlights - and learn whether they're worth buying now.

Let's Dish: What's Your Favorite Chewing Gum?

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:00:53 PDT

From the time I first laid eyes on Dr Pepper-filled bubble gum decades ago, I've been a sucker for trying new chewing gum flavors. Although I've tried everything from Orbit Maui Melon Mint to Trident Splash Apple With Raspberry, I ultimately return to the tried-and-true Trident Original Flavor. It's always soft, and has the perfect amount of freshness without overpowering my tongue. Do you share the same feelings? What's your favorite chewing gum of all time?

Chewing Gum Fights Stress?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:00:00 PST

My favorite candy, chewing gum, not only fights heartburn, but it looks like it may also help conquer stress. Chomping on a piece of gum, and may I add that the gum should definitely be sugar-free, was found to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 17 percent. In recent laboratory tests, chewing gum also increased alertness and improved performance. It sounds like a winning combination but might be a bit more complicated than unwrapping a stick of gum.

While working your jaw, chewing gum may increase the flow of blood to your brain helping you think more clearly, but it can also tire out the muscles of the jaw and lead to overuse injuries of the joint, like TMJ. For full disclosure, I should mention that the study on gum for stress release was funded by gum maker Wrigley, who is "committed to advancing and sharing scientific research that explores the benefits of chewing gum." While I thoroughly enjoy chewing gum, I think I will also stick to my free and injury-free stress reduction technique, breathing. How about you?

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Style For Style: Gum Gum, Go Away

FabSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:00:08 PST

After the following experience, I vow to never toss out my gum on the floor again. I was ordering a drink at a nice bar recently when I felt my shoe sticking to the ground. Shoot, I stepped on gum. How did that happen? No time to dwell, I had to get the gum off, pronto. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I wasn't wearing this swoon-worthy Proenza Schouler Elastic Wrap Sandal ($595), but I was wearing a newly purchased shoe I love.

To see how I took care of the situation,

First I grabbed a napkin from the bar and used it to remove as much of the gum as possible. I didn't throw out the napkin just yet.
I then asked the bartender for an ice cube and used it to rub the surface of the remaining gum until it was fully wet.
Finally, I used the gum from inside the napkin to blot the stuck gum with it. Voila.

If you happen to have a jar of peanut butter on hand, you can also use this technique:

Grab a butter knife and a jar of peanut butter, preferably without nuts.
Spread a thick coat of peanut butter all over the area with gum. Allow it to sit for five minutes.
Take a scrub brush and scrub the peanut butter/gum until it's almost gone.
Wash what is left on your shoe in the sink.

Do You Buy Gum From Gumball Machines?

YumSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:15:53 PDT

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Do You Chew Gum While You Exercise?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:30:00 PDT

I just introduced my girls to the joys of sugar-free gum, and boy, do they love it. Their excitement is infectious and I have started noticing how many people chew gum at the gym. Having had the dangers of chewing gum while running drilled into my head at various sports practices in my youth, I just can't fathom chewing gum on a treadmill. Plus I breathe through my mouth and can just imagine the gum flying across the room. How about you . . .

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